Greetings, dog lovers! 🌞

This Week's Dog-Centric News and Tips are in: 

• Can Dogs Get Headaches Too?

• Dogs can read your face

• Thread: Won't stop nibbling

• Video: This husky doesn’t feel like walking anymore so they called an Uber

Bark Bulletin of the Week

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DOG HEALTH

Can Dogs Get Headaches Too?

Can Dogs Get Headaches Too?

We've all experienced the discomfort of a headache, but have you ever wondered if your furry best friend could be suffering from the same ailment?

Recent studies suggest that yes, dogs can indeed experience headaches and even migraines!

While research is still limited, a 2013 study confirmed that a five-year-old female Cocker Spaniel experienced recurring migraines.

Let's dive into what we know about headaches in our canine companions.

Signs and Symptoms

Just like humans, dogs can't directly tell us when they're experiencing a headache. However, they may exhibit several signs that could indicate they're not feeling their best:

• Changes in behavior:

  • Increased lethargy or reluctance to play

  • Excessive napping

  • Hiding under furniture or seeking dark spaces

  • Showing signs of anxiety (licking, pacing)

• Physical signs:

  • Sensitivity to light

  • Hanging their head low

  • Pawing or pressing at their head

  • Whining or whimpering

  • Shaking or trembling

• Changes in eating or drinking habits:

  • Reduced appetite

  • Refusing to eat or drink

  • Signs of nausea

• Pain indicators:

  • Avoiding head or neck touches

  • Displaying discomfort when petted

It's important to note that these symptoms can also be indicative of other health issues, so careful observation is key.

Possible Causes

Dogs can experience headaches for various reasons, many of which are similar to what humans experience:

1. Medical conditions: • Glaucoma • Brain tumors • Head trauma • Sinus infections • Ear infections • Allergies

2. Environmental factors: • Loud noises • Bright lights • Overwhelming odors

3. Stress and anxiety

4. Reactions to medications

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing a headache in dogs can be challenging, as they can't describe their symptoms like humans can. If you suspect your dog is suffering from recurring headaches:

1. Keep a close eye on their behavior and note any changes.

2. Consult with your veterinarian if symptoms persist or recur.

3. Your vet may recommend tests such as an MRI to rule out other conditions.

For treatment:

• Make your dog comfortable in a quiet, dimly lit space.

• Never give your dog over-the-counter human pain medications.

• Your vet may prescribe dog-safe pain relief if necessary.

• Address any underlying causes identified by your vet.

When to See a Vet

While most headaches will resolve on their own, it's important to seek veterinary care if:

• Symptoms persist for more than a few hours

• You notice a pattern of recurring symptoms

• Your dog shows signs of severe distress

• There's any possibility of head trauma

Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your furry friend's health.

Source: KinShip

Playful Picks

1. Monsters Inc scares even dogs

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2. Don’t mess with this dog

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3. This husky doesn’t feel like walking anymore so they called an Uber

Dogs Can Read Your Face, Study Shows

Have you ever felt like your furry friend just gets you?

Turns out, there's scientific evidence to back up that feeling!

Recent studies show that dogs can indeed understand and respond to human facial expressions.

Let's dive into what researchers have discovered about our canine companions' emotional intelligence.

Can Dogs Really Understand Our Faces?

The short answer is yes! Here's what we know:

• A 2021 study found that dogs can distinguish between happy and angry human faces.

• Dogs use their memories of real emotional human faces to identify both feelings.

• Pups prefer smiling faces to sad ones, suggesting they understand who might be friendly.

Dr. Kathryn Dench, a veterinarian and chief scientific advisor at Paw Origins, has observed this empathetic connection firsthand in her clinic. Dogs often recognize happiness or sadness and respond in emotionally supportive ways, such as cuddling closer when an owner is visibly upset.

The Science Behind Canine Empathy

So how did our four-legged friends become so attuned to our emotions? Experts believe it's a result of our long history together:

1. Co-evolution and domestication have led dogs to become more emotionally attuned to humans.

2. Human-dog interactions have allowed pups to become sensitive to nuances in human behavior and emotion.

3. Dogs are considered some of the most intelligent social animals when it comes to understanding people.

Philip Tedeschi, a human-animal connection expert, explains that dogs are incredibly observant. They focus on facial expressions, body gestures, and even olfactory data to gain a responsive social-emotional awareness.

How Dogs Respond to Our Emotions

Dogs communicate their understanding through various cues:

• Facial expressions: Dogs create more facial expressions when their owners are attentive.

• Body language: Tail wagging, raised hackles, and different postures can indicate various emotions.

• Eye contact: Soft eyes indicate calmness, while a hard stare may signal aggression.

Interestingly, a 2017 study showed that dogs licked their mouths when shown photos of angry human faces, a behavior used as an appeasement signal in dog-to-dog communication.

Improving Communication with Your Dog

Now that we know dogs can read our facial expressions, how can we use this knowledge to better communicate with our furry friends?

1. Be mindful of your emotional state and expressions when interacting with your pet.

2. Maintain a calm, happy demeanor to soothe your pet in stressful situations.

3. Show positive facial feedback to reinforce good behavior.

4. Acknowledge your dog when they enter the room.

5. Remove or walk away from triggers that scare your dog instead of forcing them to confront them.

Remember, your mood can significantly affect your dog. If you're feeling angry or frustrated, take a moment to calm down before interacting with your pup.

In conclusion, our canine companions are far more emotionally perceptive than we often give them credit for.

Their ability to understand and respond to our facial expressions is a testament to the deep bond between humans and dogs.

So the next time your furry friend seems to know exactly how you're feeling, remember, they probably do!

Source: KinShip

Quiz Answers

False

Ever heard that dog licks can heal? Well, it's not true!

Our vet friend Dr. Trimble says: "Dog spit doesn't clean wounds. In fact, when dogs lick sore spots too much, it can cause skin problems."

So, while dogs are great, their licks aren't medicine. Instead:

• Clean cuts properly

• Keep your dog's teeth clean

That’s it for this edition of Dog Forum’s newsletter.

Please let me know what you think about this release in the poll below (Feel free to leave any recommendations. I take into consideration every comment).